Hopen

Hopen is located at 76.30° N 25.01° E, and is as such the easternmost manually operated Norwegian station in the Arctic. Hopen is a long and narrow rocky island of 46 square kilometres, with mountains of 150-370 metres altitude. There are no lakes or rivers - all fresh water comes from melted snow and rainfall.

The meteorological station is on the southeast side, about seven kilometres from the southern end. During World War II, from 1943 to 1945, the German Air force and Navy kept a meteorological station here. The Norwegian Meteorological Institute established the Norwegian station in 1947. The station is still operating.

The staff of four persons is engaged for six months periods. They carry out the meteorological observational programme, as well as maintenance of the station. Hopen is important for landing and refuelling helicopters, particularly in connection with rescue operations.

The station keeps six polar dogs that serve as watch and sled dogs.

The Coast Guard brings supplies to the island twice during summer, usually in July and September. There are no harbours or landing facilities, all cargo must be transported by small boats to the shore. During the winter the Coast Guard delivers mail and small supplies when necessary.